Top 5 Ways to Improve Your Networking Skills
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Top 5 Ways to Improve Your Networking Skills
Networking can be intimidating. When I started my networking journey, I often wondered how I could improve my networking skills. I even shared a list of networking mistakes to avoid. But the truth is that no matter where you are on your networking journey, it’s always a good idea to get a refresher or learn ways to improve.
So, I’ve compiled my top five ways to improve your networking skills:
1. Assess your network.
The first step to networking effectively is recognizing the network and resources you already have.
Maybe a friend has a business in the same field as you. And you have a background in social media management. Think of ways you can help each other. You could provide social media management for your friend’s company, and they can help you with your workload. Everyone wins!
Take some time each year or month to ask yourself:
How can I do the most with the network I already have?
Which two people in my network can I connect so they can help each other grow?
2. Have network-establishing conversations.
You can network anytime, anywhere, with anyone. What’s important is recognizing how to hold the conversation that can lead to expanding your network.
Here are the most important things to keep in mind when talking to someone who you’d like to add to your network:
Be proactive. Initiate conversations! It shows confidence and initiative.
Be a good listener. Conversations aren’t a solo act, so give the other person an opportunity to shine too! Show them you are paying attention by:
maintaining eye contact
not interrupting them when they’re speaking
not checking your phone or watch
making sure to respond with a comment or question
Be sincere. Avoid treating clients or colleagues you’re looking to add to your network solely as revenue streams! Your intention is to create mutually beneficial relationships with those around you.
Be positive. By remaining positive and avoiding complaining, you’ll make others want to stay in your sphere. Others will recognize that, and associate you with positivity. Then they will make them more likely to want to buy from you, collaborate with you, or network with you again.
3. Follow up.
Following up with your network is important for staying front-of-mind.
A proper follow up might consist of:
thanking someone for the interesting conversation you had
bringing up something you talked about to show you paid attention to the conversation
proposing a collaboration
offering further conversation
sharing an industry- or conversion-relevant article or blog post
Be polite and concise. A good follow-up can do wonders for establishing your business’s reputation and expanding your network.
4. Stay organized.
Keeping a contact book or list can be immensely helpful in organizing your network. Having a hard copy of people, contact information, and the reason why they are someone you want to network with is essential for keeping track as you expand your connections.
5. Ask for constructive feedback.
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback! As a networking Queen or King, look to constantly improve your skills so you know that the crown you wear is well-deserved. Ask colleagues and clients you’ve established strong relationships with about how you can improve your networking skills.
Having trouble building the confidence to start networking? Check out these “9 Tips to Network with Confidence.”
Whether you’re a Networking Novice or a Networking Maverick, you now know how to improve your networking skills. You got this!
Happy Connecting!